March 20, 2014 (SEATTLE) - Seattle Department of Neighborhoods awarded more than $346,000 in matching funds to support 18 neighborhood-initiated projects across the city of Seattle. Community groups received Small and Simple Projects Fund awards from the city’s Neighborhood Matching Fund Program (NMF) for projects that range from community festivals to a World Cup-style soccer tournament.

The Small and Simple Projects Fund, one of three funds managed by Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, provides cash awards of up to $25,000 in matching funds to community organizations committed to fostering and building a better community. Recipients of the fund match their awards through a combination of locally raised money, donated materials, and volunteer labor. These recent awards range from $7,500 to $25,000, and the organizations have pledged to match the city’s $346,540 contribution with resources valued at $366,600.

“Over its 26-year history, the Neighborhood Matching Fund has been a fantastic resource for Seattle’s neighborhoods across this city,” said Berne Matsuno, director of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods. “But what makes it so successful is the community connection and engagement that happens among neighbors as they work together to improve their community.”

The Neighborhood Matching Fund has provided funding to the city’s neighborhoods for the past 26 years. Approximately 5,000 projects have been completed by neighborhoods and communities with the help of NMF, and its contribution to neighborhoods can be seen across the city - from the Fremont Troll to Georgetown’s Hat n’ Boots.